Grandma Nicole Visits Chicago:: Just hangin out

And of course, we had some down time. Vacations and having visitors just passes too quickly. I felt like she was had just arrived and then was already leaving. We had a lot of fun while she was here, though. 

We decorated pumpkins, went to gymnastics class, did some shopping, and made a pie. We had a bunch of apples from when we went apple picking, and so I made my first apple pie. It is a family recipe from my Grandma Mary. She makes the most amazing pies, and obviously I have work to do. (Since then, I have made 3 wonderful apple pies that are delicious.)

Grandma Nicole Visits Chicago:: City Girls

Luckily, we had a day that Anthony could work from home and my mom and I could go for a day in the city. The weather was actually pretty decent and better than I had hoped for. We took the train downtown, and walked everywhere except for one cab ride. My mom was in a stepping competition at work, so she was wearing her fitbit and we got over 20,000 steps.. about 7-8 miles! It was a fun day, but also very tiring!

One of my favorite things to do with in the city is going on the River Architecture tour. On this boat, you learn about all the different buildings' history, cool city facts, and you have amazing view of the city. 

After the tour, we walked around Navy Pier and learned that there really isn't much to DO there, but it is a bit quirky. 

For lunch, I made reservations at the Hancock Tower. I know alot of people like to go to Sears Willis Tower, as see the view, but honestly, the Hancock tower as a better view and you get to eat amazing food. That is just a win all around. 

 We got there and still had about an hour wait, even with our reservation, so we headed up to the bar area, and got a corner window seat! Best seat in the house. We got so lucky. Also, here is a little tip if you ever visit. You can go up there and just eat and have drinks without eating in the restaurant. 

And of course, we went to the Bean. 

Grandma Nicole Visits The Windy City:: Shedd Aquarium

My mom came to visit us in early October and we had a blast. One of our favorite things to do in the city is go to the Shedd Aquarium. It is one of the best in the nation, was one our highlights from our trip back in 2011. We have since bought a season pass that gets in visitors for free... Now come visit!! 

I love this aquarium because of how many differenct exhibits it has to offer. Every season there is a new exhibit, or something gets brought back. (Stingray touching pond is open May-September). The Jellyfish exhibit was one of the coolest things I have seen there. They do such a great job, and it's appropriate for all ages. 

My favorite part of going each time is the live animal show. (I know I know.. Blackfish...) They have the most beautiful  Beluga whales. Amelia they swim so close to glass under the tank and play with you. Its amazing. I wish I could stay there longer than Amelia's attention span allows.  Their show is in this amazing ampitheater, that looks over Michigan Lake (or ocean as Amelia calls it). 

If you have the chance to come to Chicago, go the Shedd and thank me later. 

Halloween

I am trying to finish Amelia's 3rd year scrapbook, and its so much easier if I can post it on here first and then paste it in the book... So get  ready for some photo dumping!! yikes

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. Amelia was completely enthralled with the concept of dressing like Minnie Mouse and getting candy for it. Like always, I get ahead of myself and try to get crafty, luckily, this was the easiest craft I have ever attempted. I thought it turned out pretty well. 

The weekend before Halloween, we had our ward trunk or treat, but since we live the freezing tundra, it was inside. It was still a lot of fun with the games and the chili cook off. Sadly, we didn't win the chili cook off this year... Unlike last year. Bummer. 

We decorated our door like the Cookie Monster and went trick or treating to all the other doors. One of our home teachers was handing out diet cokes instead of candy. SCORE. 

We did go trick or treating on Halloween, but we lasted only two houses before we were numb. We then went to the Tomlinson's home and had some chili in Panera Bread Bowls and played games.